Graduating with a finance degree is a big accomplishment. But after the celebration is done, it’s time to turn your academic credentials into a career.
Knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming because the finance industry is broad, and there are many entry-level finance jobs. However, employers are constantly on the lookout for sharp, motivated newcomers who are ready to learn and grow. Because of this, don’t rule out your chances of landing a great first job.
With the right job, you can gain excellent experience, build a network, and set the foundation for long-term success.
Jobs You Can Get With Your Finance Degree
In addition to providing in-classroom and online financial training, we offer job placement assistance to our students.
Over the years, we have helped many students succeed with their internships and job applications. We work with three of the Big Four accounting firms in the United Arab Emirates to provide training programs, and as such, we are in a good position to recommend interns to these companies.
Our job placement expertise has helped us identify the top finance career opportunities for new graduates. These are:
1. Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper manages their clients’ financial activities. They record incoming and outgoing payments and ensure all transactions are legal.
As a bookkeeper, you will:
- Create, update, review, and file financial reports
- Write and update budgets
- Perform payroll functions
- Identify financial discrepancies and inform the client about them
As a bookkeeper, you can work for a company or an individual. You can be a full-time or part-time employee, or a freelancer.
You are a good fit for a bookkeeping position if you have an in-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and experience using accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks.
2. Junior Accountant
If you’ve always wanted to be an accountant, you can take on this position by starting as a junior accountant.
As a junior accountant, you’ll handle various accounting tasks, such as:
- Reconciling accounts
- Preparing and examining financial statements
- Assisting in tax audits
- Managing financial records
- Assisting in budgeting and forecasting
This role is one of the top entry-level finance jobs to consider because it immerses you in different accounting functions. There is also constant demand for accountants, which can give you stability.
This entry-level job can serve as your stepping stone if you want to be a certified public accountant (CPA) or a senior accountant. Earn more relevant experience and complete taxation courses to achieve this goal.
3. Personal Financial Advisor
If you want to help people make smart money decisions, consider being a personal financial advisor.
In this role, you’ll work with clients to:
- Assess their financial goals
- Create personalized savings and investment plans
- Help manage budgets and debt
- Provide guidance on retirement planning
- Explain insurance and tax strategies
This is a great entry-level job because you can apply your financial knowledge as you work with your clients. You can also develop your communication and analytical skills while gaining a deep understanding of personal finance tools and strategies.
Financial advisors are currently in demand because more people are looking for help navigating their finances. This job is an excellent launchpad if you plan to earn certifications like the CFP or Certified Financial Planner and advance into senior advisory roles or wealth management.
4. Financial Analyst
The financial analyst role is one of the best finance jobs for graduates. As a financial analyst, you will recommend data-driven actions to help clients invest smartly and reduce costs.
Financial analysts have the following responsibilities:
- Consolidating and analyzing financial statements, projections, and budgets
- Conducting and creating business studies and reports
- Developing forecast models
- Researching industry and economic trends and conditions
- Assessing financial risks and prospects
- Evaluating a company’s value
You should have good data analytical and problem-solving skills to succeed in this role. Completing online financial training courses can help you hone these qualities.
As a financial analyst, you can work for investment, insurance, and consulting firms.
5. Credit analyst
A credit analyst evaluates a person’s financial data to determine if there are risks in lending money to them.
Your core tasks as a credit analyst include:
- Reviewing financial statements
- Evaluating credit reports
- Assessing risk levels for loans or credit lines
- Preparing reports for lending decisions
This role is a great entry-level option because it gives you hands-on experience analyzing real financial data and making recommendations that can help individuals and organizations.
Credit analysts are needed in banks, credit unions, and financial firms, which gives you a wide range of industries to explore. With experience, you can move into senior credit roles, risk management, or portfolio management.
6. Budget Analyst
As a budget analyst, you have to make sure your clients spend their money wisely. You’ll be expected to perform the following tasks:
- Help develop and monitor budgets
- Analyze spending trends
- Prepare budget reports and forecasts
- Work with departments to plan financial resources
This is one of the best finance roles for fresh graduates because it combines analysis, communication, and planning. You’ll gain insight into how organizations manage their finances and make key decisions.
Budget analysts can work in private companies and government agencies.
7. Loan Officer
As a loan officer, you’ll work as an intermediary between financial institutions and borrowers. You will take on the following responsibilities:
- Discussing loan options and requirements with applicants
- Reviewing credit histories and financial documents
- Evaluating risks and recommending approvals
- Guiding clients through the loan process
This role is a strong entry-level job because it mixes finance knowledge with interpersonal skills. You’ll learn how lending works while developing customer service and sales experience.
Loan officers work at banks, credit unions, and mortgage firms. You can advance to commercial lending, underwriting, or management roles if you pursue a career in this field.
These entry-level finance positions can give you the leg up you need to make a successful transition into the job market.
Upskill to Boost Your Career Potential
Taking an additional finance course, like those offered by Phoenix Financial Training, can give you an edge, whether you’re looking for your first job or have already landed one.
Whether it’s learning financial modeling or taking an ACCA or CFA course for professional certification, upskilling shows you have initiative and expands your skill set. It can also boost your confidence as you climb the career ladder.
At Phoenix Financial Training, you’ll work with qualified full-time tutors and have a lifetime pass guarantee to certification courses, which means you can retake the training for free until you pass the exam.
Explore our courses to find out which programs can help you jumpstart your career in finance and accountancy.
